Senator Manchin (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, released a discussion draft of energy infrastructure legislation last week. Recent reports indicate that the Senate will pursue bipartisan infrastructure legislation, and this bill indicates Chairman Manchin’s priorities for inclusion in such a framework.
Several provisions in the bill align with APGA’s policy priorities. Specifically, the discussion draft includes a subtitle dedicated to hydrogen research and development. As drafted, the bill recognizes that fossil fuels like natural gas can be a source of clean hydrogen production. It also encourages investment in research that allows for continuing use of existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure for delivering alternative gaseous fuels like hydrogen.
The draft legislation would also establish a grant program for states to establish revolving loan funds for energy audits and efficiency upgrades. Given that many proposals in this space are focused on pushing electrification, APGA is pleased to see that Chairman Manchin’s current draft is fuel neutral. The direct use of natural gas is extremely energy efficient, and APGA supports efforts to encourage greater adoption of more efficient appliances and equipment in both residential and commercial buildings.
The committee held a hearing on the legislation this morning that indicated more work will need to be done to garner bipartisan support. It is likely that the bill will undergo changes before it moves forward in the legislative process. APGA submitted a letter to the committee expressing support for the specific provisions discussed above in hopes that they remain part of any energy infrastructure legislation moving forward.
Read the discussion draft
online.
APGA’s letter to Chairman Manchin is available
here.
For questions on this article, please contact Emily Wong of APGA staff by phone at 202-470-4262 or by email at
ewong@apga.org.